# Rare five-legged, six-footed lamb born on Western Australian farm
Source URL: 	https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-09-02/rare-five-legged-six-footed-lamb-born-in-wa/12621770
Date: 		20200902T0709

A rare five-legged, six-footed lamb **** has been born on a farm in the
southern Western Australian town of Kojonup.

Farmer Marshall Bowey spotted the unusual arrival at the weekend.

"We were tailing lambs and realised one had five legs and six feet," Mr
Bowey said.

"I've come across lambs with little growths of wool on their backs or
legs, but never seen a fifth leg, let alone with six feet.

"I've got no idea what would cause something like this.

The lamb's extra leg is protruding from its front shoulder area and has
two feet attached to it.

## Likely genetic defect

Mr Bowey has kept a close eye on the lamb, which is of a very healthy
size and is in good health.

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development senior
veterinary pathologist Dr Shane Besier said the extra limb was likely to
be a random defect.

"It's very rare, we get really sporadic reports of it," Dr Besier said.

"The lamb is more likely to have a sporadic individual genetic defect."

The big, healthy lamb with five legs is doing well.(Supplied: Marshall
Bowey)

Dr Besier said it was unlikely to be a hereditary trait and if it was
not able to survive with the extra limb, it would need to be amputated.

Mr Bowey said he would do what he could to make sure the lamb could
survive with the extra limb.

"It's one of the biggest lambs this year, so it's pretty healthy," he
said.